Meditations:
(Joyful Mysteries)
The Annunciation of Mary
Not in the blaze of flashes and bangs, but in the silence of the Nazareth cottage, the Word became flesh. It is not in the offices of ministers or businessmen that the fate of peace in the world is decided. It is done in the silence of our hearts. Here, peace or the desire for revenge, love or hatred is born. You and I have been chosen to become instruments of His peace.
The Visitation of St. Elizabeth
Mary does not hesitate for a moment, because she knows that someone is waiting for her help. The more the nations of the world rush to acquire weapons, the more hatred and anger around us, the more we must hurry with the message of peace. Answer malice with a kind word, anger with forgiveness, disarm hatred with kindness. Hurry! The world is thirsty for peace!
The Birth of the Lord Jesus
The inhabitants of Bethlehem did not welcome God under their roof! He had to be born in a stable. Similarly today: God, coming to people, encounters hearts as hard as stone. See how on Christmas night, while breaking the white wafer, people shake hands in agreement. Through a simple gesture of forgiveness, you can make Christmas happen every day.
The Presentation of the Lord Jesus
Light to enlighten the pagans – this is how Simeon calls Jesus. He is happy that he was able to see the Savior of the world with his own eyes. Enlighten, Jesus, the minds of those for whom the only solution to the world’s problems is war, and the only argument – force. Help them find the path to peace.
The Finding of the Lord Jesus in the Temple
Son, why have you done this to us? – say Mary and Joseph, concerned about their Son. Why do so many innocent people still die, and the world lives in constant fear? Who will be the next victim? Jesus, we pray for those who foment wars, that they too may find their way to You.
Mysteries of Light
The Baptism of the Lord Jesus in the Jordan
John the Baptist administers the baptism of conversion. He even admonishes soldiers not to abuse or oppress anyone. The sacrament of baptism is the beginning of God’s life in us. So why do conflicts and even wars occur between the baptized? After all, we are children of one Father, brothers and sisters! In the name of God – let us reconcile!
The Apparition at the Wedding at Cana of Galilee
The miracle performed at the request of the Mother is a beautiful wedding gift for the newlyweds in Cana of Galilee. “Son, there is no peace in the world!” cries the Mother, still concerned about the world.
Jesus, the peace you bring is being destroyed by people for whom war brings huge profits. They do not take into account appeals for peace, they earn money from war. However, there is hope for the world. Hope that we will listen to the words of Mary: Do whatever my Son tells you.
Proclaiming the Gospel and calling for conversion
The Kingdom of God, which Jesus teaches, is a place where there will be no sadness and tears, pain and suffering. How wonderful the Father’s kingdom must be in contrast to the reality of this world, where brother kills brother, where wars are still going on! Jesus, your kingdom come! The kingdom of truth, love and peace!
Transfiguration on Mount Tabor
The sight of the transfigured Jesus arouses in the Apostles the desire to remain with Him on Mount Tabor. So many today desire peace. May this voice reach with power all the great of this world, transform their hearts and stop the shedding of innocent blood.
Institution of the sacrament of the Eucharist
Before Jesus fed the disciples with his Body, he instructed them to wash each other’s feet. There would be no wars in the world if people did everything with love, because love does not envy, does not get angry, and endures everything. Love introduces and maintains peace among us.
Rosary for Peace with St. John Paul II Sorrowful Mysteries
The Mystery of Prayer in Ogrójec
Only an intervention from on High, capable of guiding the hearts of all those living in conflict situations and those who hold the fate of nations in their hands, can awaken in us hope for a less dark future. St. John Paul II
In today’s world, as in the Garden of Olives, a battle is waged between good and evil. Today, too, a battle is waged for peace. Today, as in the Apostles, you expect prayer and vigilance from us. Give us strength, then, to persevere with you, to persevere in goodness, to persevere in the hope that peace is always possible.
The Mystery of the Scourging of the Lord Jesus
The Rosary disposes us to accept, experience and spread around ourselves that true peace which is a special gift of the Risen One. St. John Paul II
The bewildered crowd rejects God and chooses the criminal – Barabbas. In order for man to make good choices, he must contemplate, gaze upon the face of Christ, who is the Prince of Peace. We pray you, Lord Jesus, that we may always make good choices in life. May your peace be present in our hearts, so that we may live it and spread it around us.
The Mystery of the Crowning with Thorns
The Rosary is also a prayer of peace because of the fruits of merciful love which it produces. The Rosary must also show the face of Christ in our brothers, especially those who suffer the most. St. John Paul II
Pilate, pointing to Jesus, said “behold the man”. The Savior is present in every person, and especially in those who suffer the most. When people suffer and die in war, it is Christ himself who suffers and dies in them. We commend to you, Jesus, all those who suffer because of war: the wounded, the dying, refugees, and especially children who lose their parents, or are often forced to fight themselves.
The Mystery of Carrying the Cross
How can we contemplate Christ burdened with the cross and crucified without feeling the need to become his Cyrenean towards every brother crushed by suffering or crushed by despair?
St. John Paul II
Simon of Cyrene constantly reminds us of the duty to help all those suffering because of war – also through prayer. Lord Jesus, we humbly ask you, take under your care all those suffering because of wars and armed conflicts. Also support with your power all those who bring help to others – give them strength and courage.
The Mystery of the Death of the Lord Jesus on the Cross
The Rosary, by directing our gaze towards Christ, makes us builders of peace in the world. It allows us to hope that even today a “battle” as difficult as the one for peace can be victorious. St. John Paul II
The death of Christ on the Cross, contrary to what some people think, is not a disgrace, a defeat, but a victory. Today, as we gaze upon Christ crucified and contemplate the mystery of his death, we draw from it the faith that good always triumphs in the end; we draw hope that our “battle” for peace will be victorious.
Copenhagen Novena 